It’s a horrible thing to come home after a long day at work to find that your home has been broken into. Many people who have suffered a break-in, later experience emotional and mental stress. Some even develop feelings of constantly being unsafe in their home, still others decide to move to a new neighborhood. It’s an unfortunate truth that many criminals know how to deactivate your home security system, and you can suffer a break-in despite all your precautions. Even worse, many criminals target the same home more than once, because they know the layout and expect owners to replace stolen items once they’ve received the insurance money. So how can you best protect yourself and your property after a break-in?
First of all, if you come home and realize your home has been burgled, immediately leave and call the police. Do not stay in the house: the criminals might still be there, and confronting them could be very dangerous. Make sure that you get a copy of the police report for insurance purposes, and make all relevant claims to have your damaged or stolen property repaired or replaced. If you don’t have a home security system, now is the time to install one. If you do have a home security system but you don’t have an armed response service, it’s a good idea to add this. Be sure to get a professional to carefully assess your home security after a break-in and don’t be afraid to ask where your home security system’s weak spots were, and how did the system allow the burglars to enter? Listen closely to whatever advice you get. Repair, replace or reinforce any broken locks, latches, windows or doors. Reset your alarm codes with all new passwords and make sure only you and your family know the codes. Buy timers for your lights, so you can always give the impression of somebody being at home. It might be a good idea to get a safe to store your most valuable possessions and documents. Take a good look at the exterior of your home. Make sure that any areas of disrepair are fully fixed, and add lighting with motion sensors wherever necessary. With the outside of your home looking and feeling more secure, you can rest easier inside. And if you haven’t done so already, one of the best ways of increasing your home security is by introducing yourself to your neighbors and taking part in your local neighborhood watch program.
Photo via jimster586
